U18 squad secures North West Wales qualifying success
Sporting success has been evident throughout Rydal Penrhos’ illustrious history. Something the school’s girls’ hockey sides are looking to emulate during the current campaign.
The school has secured a plethora of national titles in recent years. Rydal Penrhos is also proud to have developed many international-calibre hockey players such as current Wales U18 squad member and Year 13 pupil Alex Starling.
Despite some testing weather conditions, the U18 girls’ hockey squad held their nerve to emerge victorious from the North West Wales qualifying heat, which is the first step on their quest for the Welsh Schools’ Championships in the coming months.
Hosted at Rydal Penrhos’ exceptional facilities, the home team got their tournament off to the best possible start thanks to an impressive 3-0 win over Ysgol Eirias, which was swiftly followed by an emphatic 5-0 triumph over Ysgol Llangefni.
Further momentum was built thanks to an 8-0 victory over Ysgol Friars. Rydal Penrhos made it four in a row with a 2-0 success against Ysgol Godre’r Berwyn.
After a 0-0 draw versus Ysgol Brynrefail, the championship hinged on the final contest between the two remaining unbeaten sides – Rydal Penrhos and Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen from Caernarfon.
After a hugely competitive affair with little to separate the two sides, a well-worked set piece proved to be the difference as the hosts won 1-0 to clinch the overall title.
The talented squad will now begin preparations for the Welsh Schools’ National Semi-Finals on Thursday 1 December in Newton. If Rydal Penrhos is one of the top two teams at the event, they progress to the national finals in March 2023, which is taking place in Cardiff.
Everyone at Rydal Penrhos would like to congratulate our U18 girls’ hockey team on their tremendous efforts and the staff that guided them superbly every step of the way.
